Observations from The Peak Broadcast Booth for the weekend of Dec 4th - Hazelton Wolverines @ Kitimat Ice Demons - 2 Games

First things first, very nice rink in Kitimat. I think Tamitik isn't the best name, unless there is more reason to it than Kitimat backwards. Anyways, most professional set up I've seen in my tour of the league this year, and I'd love to see some high paced playoff games there.

To the games, our broadcast crew was expecting a low turnout from Hazelton, but even we scoffed at 13. If you only bring 13 to play on that open ice, the game is over before it starts, and for the Wolverines, they played like it. Coach Hudson said they were going to try play trap hockey to slow down the Demons, but Hazelton doesn't have enough puck control players to make that happen. The Demons overwhelmed them early, and chased Keanu Wilson out on 3 goals in the first 4 shots. We've seen Wilson perform better, so we were a bit surprised at how easily he let a couple of those shots in. Cody Smith came in, and played very well for Hazelton. That said, a perfect performance still wouldn't have been enough with a slow defense and the Kitimat offense. Mildenberger was a puck control specialist, and always seemed to be the guy setting up the plays. Very impressive weekend from him. The line of Mayer/Whelan/Wakita was unstoppable, and if not for Cody Smith, would have lit the lamp enough to burn the bulb. Also got my first look at Hewitson, who has unreal speed out there. My only complaint was that I saw a little "me first" hockey from him, including stealing the puck off the stick of his own team mate. I'd like to see less one man show, and more of plays like his set up pass to, I believe it was Coleman, for a brilliant goal. Very impressed with the restraint on both sides, as both teams could have gooned it up at the end, but kept it very civil. Phil Morrison had the hit of the game, crushing David Anthony, who tried to make a run at the net with his head down. Great hit, and it riled up Anthony, who then took a dumb penalty in retaliation.

We were told that Hazelton had more players coming for the Sunday game, but while they did get a returning Curtis Cardinal, they also lost a player from Saturday to injury, and remained at 13 players. Keanu Wilson was back in net, and played a far superior game, but with Cardinal definitely not in game shape, and his defense still exhausted from the night before, he was hung out to dry all game long. A few line up changes for Kitimat, but nothing to major. Ian Coleman, and Terry Whelan each had 4 goals, with Markwart getting a hatty late in the game, as Kitimat upped their effort from the night before, winning 16-2. To their credit, they were clearly not trying to score at the end, but both the defense and the goalie were so tired, even going through the motions was enough for Kitimat. Tough game to watch, but again, good sportsmanship on both sides. Props to Steve Venman from the Demons, who took a puck in the mouth, and didn't miss a shift.

For the Weekend:

Biggest Chump: The Ref from Sunday's game. Nothing drives me crazy like a wishy washy ref. You're in charge man, act like it. Combo that, and the fact that dude was way late signaling goals, and missed a few easy calls, and it's a no brainer COTW this week.

Best Play: Mildenberger had a beauty end to end on Sunday that made a couple Wolverines look silly.

3 Stars: Ian Coleman (Won 1st star both games, and had a fantastic performace), Terry Whelan (Would have beat out Coleman if he hadn't whiffed a few easy goals), and Mildenberger (The idea of seeing Mildenberger and Ryan DeVries on the same line is why I want to see an All Star game so badly.)

Honorable Mentions: Jamie Moran (Solid performance when needed on Sunday), Phil Morrison (One of the few Wolverines who never quit), Brad Sebastian (See Phil Morrison), Dan Mayer (Great finisher)

I'm off to Mexico for a week, starting on Saturday, so I won't be able to update from games. Joe Otoo will be filling in on Play By Play this weekend, and next.

-DLB

eeeehhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!You know, ian told me to take that puck cause i was passing him quite quickly and would have had to stop at the blue line to wait. i know you can't hear player to player communication. made it sound like i ran all over the ice with the puck by myself. its all cool though, ill go to my room and feel shame...so much shame! enjoy your sun!!!!!im still very rusty you know, give a bros a break, huh!!!!

See, Ian didn't mention that he told you to take it when we asked him about it off the air, so that clears that up a little.

There were a few times when you had the puck, and a pass could have been made, but you kept it instead, but no, you definitely did not run around the whole game with the puck.

Trust me, there was no disrespect intended, nor was I hoping to shame you, just giving observations on what I saw from the games this weekend. Truth told, I was disappointed you weren't in the Sunday game, was looking forward to seeing more. That said, the scoreboard was already fairly full Sunday, so it's probably for the best.

two games - one goal - five assists. Pretty selfish - Drew?

Yeah, I explained myself already, I have no interest in arguing about your son sir. I call it like I see it.

Like father, like son. Suck it up princess.

1 little hit he will back in rec league.

ya drew im just teasing bud...it was no big deal i was laughing and teasingly put that thread on. truth be told i felt like i was fighting the puck a bit and the vision aint quite there yet. i still dont think that goal went in. just nice to play again and never mind the old man, most people can't hear sarcasm in typed words, he is afterall and old scotsman. i could never say anything bad about you guys. i love it when you guys come cause those are the reasons why we started this team ten years ago on the idea of one troy butler who had his connections from powell river and playing AAA senior (won at every senior level i know of)and never has really got the credit he deserved in helping this league get started. many people don't realize that if he hadn't got the ball rolling, none of this would ever have started. i for one think that he should have one of the league trophies named after him, but thats a story for another day. have a good vaca bud!!!!!

No hard feelings, like I said, I hope to do another Kitimat game or two come playoffs. Good luck to you guys down the stretch.

...but I hope Drew's post at five to five a.m. means he's up early to go get his pat
down at the airport - en route for Mexico!

Of course, 49 years ago I used to be up at that time to go and sign the radio station on for the day's broadcast in Saint John, N.B.

No Mexico yet. I do the morning show on The Peak, so 5 am is a usual browsing time for me.